The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-17
READING FOR THE DAY.


STUDIES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
April "a 1887 Lesson ". Gen. Xvii 1-l2 B c. 17o6.
= JOSEPH AND HIS FATHER.-Gen. Xvii, LIP.
Golden Text.-Honor thy father and thy mother.
which is the first commandment with promise.-Eph.
vi, 2.
: The intervening history between the last and
the present lessons covers important event
In the development of the chosen nation.s Jo-
Beph's reconciliation with his brethren was COM
plete. Word Of the disclosure was soon brought
10 Pharaoh. and ne joined his solicitation with
that of Joseph to have the aged father brought
from Canaan and settled in the neighborhood.
Conveniences for transportation are furnished,
home is allotted, ample provision promised,
md every thing that flial affection and
bounded resources could devise are laid under
contribution to induce the patriarch's imme-
Late and permanent removal. He consents,
IomAwhat loath, no doubt, to leave the land
which had been promised him; where Abraham
And Isaac and his beloved Rachel buried,
and where he had expected to pass his remain
ing days in quiet and peace. Egypt, too, had
not brought much happiness to his people. To
father and grandfather it was associated with
the most unhappy experiences, and TO the latter
It had been intimated that his descendants
should be in bondage to the Egyptians tChap.
XIV, 13). On the way, however, he has vision
from God, who assures him Of protection and
prosperity. II will there make of thee a great
nation. / will 60 down with thee. and will also
surely bring thee up again" (Chap. XVI, a..
Here the Israelites are to be put to school in
people. Equally removed from the cor
ruption of the Canaanites and the
heathenism of the Egyptians flor their
race and occupation as shepherds would be
double barrier to intimate connection with the
inhabitants), they yet to be brought into
connection with the highest civilization then
known; to have the stimulus of culture well
rs the opportunity for moral development under
oppression and material increase. Three score
and seven souls constitute Jacobs immediate
household, which, with Joseph and his two sons,
make the three score and ten of Chapter Xvi,
81, and with the additional five grandsons of Jo-
seph mentioned in the Xxx, from which he quot
ed make the three score and fifteen of Stephen
tActs vii, IA Upon his arrival Joseph meets
his father with becoming honors, and introduces
him to Pharaoh. Jacob is then assigned the dis
trict of Goshen, where with his family about
him. he quietly ends his days. 1t is at the point
of Joseph's introducing his father and five of his
brethren to Pharaoh that our lesson opens.
POINTS OF INSTRUCTION.
1. A lesson to parents. Jacob made it easy
for Joseph to honor him, because his character
was honorable If you would not have your
children ashamed of you, strive to show your
selves worthy of their confidence and respect.
2 A lesson to children. Whatever your
parents may have been to you, they still
your parents. Because of the necessary kinship,
the commandment is binding, and as you honor
them God will honor and bless you.
3. A lesson courtesy. Joseph, as minis
ter. treated Pharaoh his King. Pharaoh. as
n King, treated Joseph as King. Pharaoh
could afford to thus honor a servant whom he
knew would never abuse the privilege.
A. lesson portable piety. Jacob blessed
Pharaoh. Such prayer had doubtless never
before been heard in that palace Would that
our modern sojourners were universally as con-
scIentious.
s. A lesson on the end of life Life is pill
erimage. Earth is not our home 1t is but q
way there. and every setting sun brings US a
days march nearer to it. Let then to our
itinerary with hopeful and faithful hearts,